U.S. patent application number 11/242264 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for system for monitoring ozone and controlling supply of ozone to washing machine.
Invention is credited to Ralph G. Daniels, David A. Spofford.
Application Number | 20060096038 11/242264 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32526764 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060096038 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Daniels; Ralph G. ; et
al. |
May 11, 2006 |
System for monitoring ozone and controlling supply of ozone to
washing machine
Abstract
A system for controlling a supply of ozone to a washing machine
during operation thereof. The system comprising a washing machine
having an internal drum for containing laundry and a quantity of a
water. An ozone generator is connected to the washing machine and
the ozone generator produces and supplies the produced ozone to the
washing machine for ozonating the water. At least one sensor is
provided for sensing a quantity of ozone exhausting from the
washing machine during operation thereof, and the at least sensor
being coupled to the ozone generator for interrupting production of
ozone when a quantity of ozone exhausting from the washing machine
exceeds a safe level.
Inventors: |
Daniels; Ralph G.; (Derry,
NH) ; Spofford; David A.; (Northwood, NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
DAVIS & BUJOLD, P.L.L.C.
FOURTH FLOOR
500 N. COMMERCIAL STREET
MANCHESTER
NH
03101-1151
US
|
Family ID: |
32526764 |
Appl. No.: |
11/242264 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
8/158 ; 68/13R;
68/5R |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 35/001
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
008/158 ;
068/005.00R; 068/013.00R |
International
Class: |
B08B 3/12 20060101
B08B003/12; D06F 35/00 20060101 D06F035/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 5, 2004 |
GB |
0410405.5 |
Claims
1. A system for controlling a supply of ozone to a washing machine
during operation thereof, the system comprising: a washing machine
having an internal drum for containing laundry and a quantity of a
water; an ozone generator, connected to the washing machine, for
producing ozone and supplying the produced ozone to the washing
machine and ozonating the water; and at least one sensor for
sensing a level of ozone being exhausting from the washing machine
during operation thereof, and the at least sensor being coupled to
interrupt production of ozone, by the ozone generator, when the
level of ozone exhausting from the washing machine exceeds a safe
level.
2. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is an
ozone exhaust sensor which detects an amount of ozone contained in
air exhausting from a vent of the washer machine and, in an event
that the level of ozone in the air exhausting from the washing
machine exceeds a safe level, the ozone exhaust sensor interrupts
further production of ozone until the ozone exhaust sensor again
detects a safe level of ozone in the air exhausting from the
washing machine.
3. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is an
area ozone level sensor which detects a level of ozone contained
within an area accommodating the washing machine, and in an event
that the area ozone level sensor detects an excess level of ozone
contained in the area, the area ozone level sensor interrupts
further production of ozone by the ozone generator until the area
ozone level sensor again detects a safe level of ozone in the area
accommodating the washing machine.
4. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is an
ozone exhaust sensor which detects a concentration of ozone
contained in air exhausting from a vent of the washer machine and,
in an event that the ozone concentration in the air exhausting from
the washing machine exceeds a safe level, the ozone exhaust sensor
interrupts further production of ozone until the ozone exhaust
sensor again detects a safe concentration of ozone in the air
exhausting from the washing machine; and further comprising an area
ozone level sensor which detects a concentration of ozone contained
within an area accommodating the washing machine, and in an event
that the area ozone level sensor detects an excess concentration of
ozone contained in the area, the area ozone level sensor interrupts
further production of ozone by the ozone generator until a safe
concentration of ozone is again detected.
5. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 1, wherein an air supply device supplies
air to an inlet of the ozone generator for conversion of the air
into ozone.
6. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 1, wherein an air supply device supplies
air to an air flow control valve which regulates a flow rate of the
air being supplied, and the air flow control valve is connected to
supply the air to the ozone generator for conversion of the air
into ozone, and the ozone generator is connected to supply the
ozone to a sump of the washing machine.
7. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 6, wherein the air supply device
incorporates a drying unit which removes moisture from the air,
prior to supplying the air to the air flow control valve.
8. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 6, wherein a drying unit is provided to
dry and remove moisture from the air prior to supplying the air to
the ozone generator.
9. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 1, wherein a sump is provided vertically
below the washing machine and a drain valve, when in a closed
position, facilitates retention of the water supplied to the
washing machine, and the drain valve, when in an opened position,
facilitates drainage of the water from the washing machine.
10. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 1, wherein an outlet of the ozone
generator is connected to a sump of the washing machine, and the
produced ozone is discharged into the sump so as to permeates and
bubbles through the water within the sump and at least partially
encapsulate the ozone in the water.
11. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 10, wherein a plurality of spargers are
located within the sump, and the plurality of spargers each contain
at least one injection nozzle for injecting the produced ozone into
the water located within the sump.
12. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of injector
nozzles injected the ozone, having a particle size of from about 2
microns to about 20 microns, so as to facilitate mixing of the
ozone with the water contained within the sump and thereby provide
uniform mixture thereof.
13. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 1, wherein the safe level is about 1.0
parts per million of ozone or less.
14. A system for controlling a supply of ozone supplied for
laundering clothing, the system comprising a plurality of washing
machines with an air supply device for supplying air to each of the
plurality of washing machines; and each of the plurality of washing
machines comprising: an internal drum for containing laundry and a
quantity of a water; a sump located vertically below the washing
machine, and the sump having a drain valve facilitating retention
of the water supplied to the washing machine; and an air flow
control valve for regulating a flow rate of the air being supplied
to the washing machine, and the air flow control valve being
connected to an ozone generator for producing ozone from the air,
and the ozone generator being connected with the sump to supply the
produced ozone to the washing machine; an ozone exhaust sensor for
sensing a level of ozone exhausting from the washing machine during
operation thereof, and the ozone exhaust sensor being coupled to
interrupt production of ozone by the ozone generator when the level
of ozone exhausting from the washing machine exceeds a safe level;
an area ozone level sensor for detecting a level of the ozone
contained within an area accommodating the plurality of washing
machines, and in an event that the area ozone level sensor detects
the ozone level for the area to be above the safe level, the area
ozone level sensor interrupts further production of ozone by each
one of the ozone generators until the area ozone level sensor again
detects a safe level of ozone.
15. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 14, wherein the air supply device
includes a drying unit which removes moisture from the air, prior
to supplying the air to the air flow control valve
16. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 14, wherein a plurality of spargers are
located within the sump, and the plurality of spargers each contain
at least one injection nozzle for injecting the produced ozone into
the water located within the sump.
17. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of injector
nozzles injected the ozone, having a particle size of from about 2
microns to about 20 microns, so as to facilitate mixing of the
ozone with the water contained within the sump and thereby provide
uniform mixture thereof.
18. The system for controlling the supply of ozone to the washing
machine according to claim 14, wherein the ozone supplied to the
washing machine has a particle size of from about 2 microns to
about 20 microns, and the safe level is about 1.0 parts per million
of ozone or less.
19. A method of controlling a supply of ozone to a washing machine
during operation thereof, the method comprising steps of: providing
a washing machine with an internal drum for containing laundry and
a quantity of a water; adding laundry and water to the internal
drum; producing ozone in an ozone generator and supplying the
produced ozone to the water located within a sump of the washing
machine for ozonating the water contained therein; washing the
laundry in the for ozonated water and sensing a level of ozone
exhausting from the washing machine during operation and, if a
level of the ozone exhausting from the washing machine exceeds a
safe level, interrupting production of further ozone until the
level of the ozone exhausting from the washing machine falls below
the safe level.
20. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the step
of monitoring a level of the ozone contained within an area which
accommodates the washing machine with an area ozone level sensor,
and in an event that the area ozone level sensor detects an ozone
level for the area above the safe level, interrupting further
production of the ozone until the area ozone level sensor again
detects a safe level.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, an ozone
dissolving apparatus, a system for controlling the supply of ozone
and a method of washing which uses ozone to clean, sanitize and
disinfect laundry.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Washing of laundry is an expensive process. It utilizes
costly resources--water, energy, detergents and labor and such
laundering is often required to disinfect the laundry items. While
conventional detergents and soap can be effective in removing dirt,
grease, grime and other contaminants, they are not always effective
at killing germs and bacteria. It is known to enhance the
disinfection capabilities of a washing machine by introducing ozone
into the washing water. The ozone improves cleaning of laundry, at
low wash water temperatures, and also has an antibacterial
effect.
[0003] Previous systems for introducing ozone have included a
simple bubble system in which ozone is bubbled through water in a
washing machine drum. The efficiency of dissolving ozone in such
apparatus is low, and the concentration of dissolved ozone in the
water is consequently low thereby resulting in only a small
enhancement in the cleaning and the antibacterial effect of the
ozone. There is also the disadvantage that the amount of off-gas,
i.e., the ozone given off to the surrounding environment during
operation of the washing machine, can be considerable. The ozone
gas will typically collect in the area surrounding the washing
machine and can cause health and safety problems in the event that
any person located adjacent the washing machine is exposed to a
high concentration of ozone.
[0004] In order to improve the efficiency with which ozone is
dissolved in the water, systems using venturis have been developed.
Such systems forcibly dissolve ozone in the water and improve the
concentration of dissolved ozone. However, these systems are
complex and often require major changes to the plumbing or pipework
of the washing machine in order to install such systems. In
addition, further space is also required for the venturi itself and
associated components, such as tanks and pumps.
[0005] Another problem associated with prior art washing machine
having an ozone generating system is that there is no mechanism for
controlling the amount of ozone generated during a wash cycle. As a
result of this, a dangerous level of ozone can be generating during
operation of the washing machine, especially at a laundry mat or a
commercial laundry facility, thereby creating a situation which is
hazardous to human beings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to efficiently add
ozone to water used in a washing machine without having to make
substantial changes to the plumbing or pipework connected to the
washing machine.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
system in which the amount of ozone generated, during a wash cycle,
is controlled so that an optimum amount of ozone is generated and
the laundry is efficiently and consistently cleaned.
[0008] Yet another object of the present invention is to ensure
that a sufficient amount of ozone is generated during the initial
step or stage of the wash cycle, where the ozone can be readily
used to "burn off" the dirt, grease, grime and other contaminants
as well as kill "super bugs", germs and bacteria (i.e., ozone is
effective in killing 99.99% of the germs and bacteria contained
within the laundry), while having the ability to control, interrupt
or reduce the amount of ozone generated during the latter step(s)
or stage(s) of the wash cycle when less ozone is typically
required.
[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide
the system with a sensor which will completely shut off production
of ozone, or possible sufficiently reduce production of ozone, in
the event that the ozone being exhausted from the washing machine
indicates that excess ozone still remains within the washing
machine, e.g., indicates an ozone level exhausting from the washing
machine of 1.0 (ppm) parts per million of higher.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide the
system with a fail safe sensor which will completely shut down the
washing machine ozone, or possible sufficiently reduce production
of ozone, in the event that the ozone level, in the room or area
accommodating the washing machine, increases above a level which
creates a hazardous situation for the health and/or safety of human
beings, e.g., the ozone level in a room reaches 0.1 (ppm) parts per
million.
[0011] A further object of the present invention is to minimize the
amount of water and soap utilized during washing of laundry while
also utilizing an adequate amount of the ozone to activate the soap
or laundry detergent and the laundry to efficiently and
consistently clean the laundry while also killing any germs or
bacteria contained in the laundry being washed.
[0012] A still further object of the present invention is to inject
the produced ozone, having a particle size of about 2 microns to 20
microns and more preferably having a particle size of from about 5
to 10 microns, into a relatively small sump of the washing machine,
which is typically located beneath the washing machine, such that
the ozone does not readily dissolved within the water but is
essentially encapsulated and dispersed throughout the water and is
readily available to react with any dirt, soil, grime, grease,
germs, bacteria, etc., contained in the laundry being wash.
[0013] Accordingly, in a first aspect there is provided a washing
machine comprising a washing volume and a mixing chamber below the
washing volume and a fluid communication therewith and at least one
sparger within the mixing chamber for connection to an ozone
source.
[0014] The mixing chamber can be smaller than the washing volume
since it need only contain the sparger rather than the sparger and
any laundry. When the mixing volume is not much larger than the
sparger, passing ozone through the sparger can produce strong
currents in the mixing volume. This results in active circulation
of the ozone containing water in and out of the mixing chamber and
hence throughout the washing volume.
[0015] Preferably, the washing machine comprises an ozone source
connected to the sparger.
[0016] Preferably, the washing volume and mixing chamber are in
fluid communication via drain outlet in the washing volume. The
drain outlet can be in the underside of the washing volume. This
ensures that the mixing chamber fills before the washing
volume.
[0017] The washing machine can further comprise a drain valve
extending between the drain outlet and the mixing chamber. The
washing machine can further comprise a drain valve extending from
the underside of the mixing chamber.
[0018] Preferably, the washing machine further comprises a
controller for controlling the flow of ozone to the sparger. The
sparger can be arranged such that in use ozone exits the sparger in
a downward direction. This increases the circulation of water
within the mixing chamber and hence throughout the washing
volume.
[0019] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided an
ozone dissolving apparatus for the washing machine, the washing
machine comprising a washing volume having a drain outlet in the
washing volume wall, the apparatus comprising a mixing chamber
having an aperture for connection to the drain outlet; and at least
one sparger positioned within the mixing chamber and being for
connection to an ozone source.
[0020] Preferably the ozone is injected into the water and is
substantially suspended and entrained within the water without a
significant portion of the ozone being dissolved therein. The water
acts as a carrier agent and carries the ozone to the clothing and
laundry to be cleaned and sanitized.
[0021] The apparatus according to the invention can be connected to
the drain aperture of the standard washing machine allowing
efficient addition of ozone to the laundry to be washed without an
increase in the complexity of the associated plumbing.
[0022] Preferably, the apparatus comprises a drain valve connected
between the drain outlet and mixing chamber. The mixture chamber
can comprise a drain valve.
[0023] In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a
method of washing comprising providing a washing machine, the
washing machine comprising a washing volume and a mixing chamber
below the washing volume and in fluid communication therewith and
at least one sparger within the mixing chamber for connection to an
ozone source at least partially filling the mixing chamber with
water so as to submerge the sparger and dissolving ozone gas in the
water by passing ozone through the sparger.
[0024] The ozone can be passed downwardly through the water.
[0025] The present invention relates to a system for controlling a
supply of ozone to a washing machine during operation thereof, the
system comprising: a washing machine having an internal drum for
containing laundry and a quantity of a water; an ozone generator,
connected to the washing machine, for producing ozone and supplying
the produced ozone to the washing machine and ozonating the water;
and at least one sensor for sensing a level of ozone being
exhausting from the washing machine during operation thereof, and
the at least sensor being coupled to interrupt production of ozone,
by the ozone generator, when the level of ozone exhausting from the
washing machine exceeds a safe level.
[0026] The present invention also relates to a system for
controlling a supply of ozone supplied for laundering clothing, the
system comprising a plurality of washing machines with an air
supply device for supplying air to each of the plurality of washing
machines; and each of the plurality of washing machines comprising:
an internal drum for containing laundry and a quantity of a water;
a sump located vertically below the washing machine, and the sump
having a drain valve facilitating retention of the water supplied
to the washing machine; and an air flow control valve for
regulating a flow rate of the air being supplied to the washing
machine, and the air flow control valve being connected to an ozone
generator for producing ozone from the air, and the ozone generator
being connected with the sump to supply the produced ozone to the
washing machine; an ozone exhaust sensor for sensing a level of
ozone exhausting from the washing machine during operation thereof,
and the ozone exhaust sensor being coupled to interrupt production
of ozone by the ozone generator when the level of ozone exhausting
from the washing machine exceeds a safe level; an area ozone level
sensor for detecting a level of the ozone contained within an area
accommodating the plurality of washing machines, and in an event
that the area ozone level sensor detects the ozone level for the
area to be above the safe level, the area ozone level sensor
interrupts further production of ozone by each one of the ozone
generators until the area ozone level sensor again detects a safe
level of ozone.
[0027] The present invention further relates to a method of
controlling a supply of ozone to a washing machine during operation
thereof, the method comprising steps of: providing a washing
machine with an internal drum for containing laundry and a quantity
of a water; adding laundry and water to the internal drum;
producing ozone in an ozone generator and supplying the produced
ozone to the water located within a sump of the washing machine for
ozonating the water contained therein; washing the laundry in the
for ozonated water and sensing a level of ozone exhausting from the
washing machine during operation and, if a level of the ozone
exhausting from the washing machine exceeds a safe level,
interrupting production of further ozone until the level of the
ozone exhausting from the washing machine falls below the safe
level.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be
described, by way of example only and not in any limitative sense,
with reference to the appended drawings in which:
[0029] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a known washing machine
including an ozone source;
[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a washing machine according
to the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing the construction of the
mixing chamber of the washing machine in FIG. 2;
[0032] FIG. 4 is a diagram of a known connection between the
washing machine and the drain;
[0033] FIG. 5 shows the connection of an ozone dissolving
apparatus, according to the invention, to the washing machine
depicted in FIG. 4;
[0034] FIG. 6 shows an improved system, according to the present
invention, for controlling a supply of ozone to a washing
machine;
[0035] FIG. 7 shows a modification to the improved system of FIG. 6
having an air drier unit;
[0036] FIG. 8 shows injection of the ozone into the sump via the
sparger injection nozzles; and
[0037] FIG. 9 shows an arrangement having a single area ozone level
sensor for controlling production of ozone by a plurality of
washing machines.
DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0038] Shown in FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a known prior art
washing machine. A compressor 10 supplies air to an air preparation
unit 12 which dries the air. The dried air is then passed to an
ozone generator 14. The ozone generation 14 then generates ozone
gas from air and supplies the ozone gas through an inlet to a
washing machine drum. The ozone gas is injected into and bubbles
through the water in the drum 16 and a small amount of the ozone
will dissolve in the water. The efficiency of dissolving the ozone
gas in the water, according to this prior art washing machine is,
however, fairly low.
[0039] A first embodiment of a washing machine, according to the
present invention, is depicted in FIG. 2. An oxygen generator 20
generates oxygen which is supplied to an ozone generator 22. The
ozone is then supplied through a controller 24 which controls the
supply of ozone into mixing chamber 26.
[0040] An aperture of the mixing chamber is connected to a drain
outlet in the washing volume. The drain outlet of this embodiment
is arranged at the lowest vertical point of the volume of the
washing liquid contained within the washing machined. A drain valve
(not shown) extends from the underside of the mixing chamber
allowing the washing volume to be removed or drained as required.
Water from a water supply 30 is supplied to an inlet 32 towards the
top of the washing volume.
[0041] As can be seen in FIG. 3, the mixing chamber is arranged
below the washing volume. Accordingly, as water is added to the
washing volume, such water flows into the mixing chamber which is
initially filled before the washing volume.
[0042] The mixing chamber 26 contains at least one sparger 34 which
is generally sufficient for a washing machine having a wash
capacity of up to about 125 pound, for example. For a washing
machine with a larger wash capacity, e.g., a wash capacity of about
100 pounds or greater, preferably two or more spargers 34 are
utilized. As shown in FIGS. 6, 7 and 8, a pair of separate spaced
apart sparges 34, each in the form of a perforated pipe preferably
extending generally horizontally within the mixing chamber 26, are
provided. If desired, the sparges 34 may be directed toward the
bottom of the mixing chamber 26 to assist with dispersion and
mixing of the ozone within the mixing chamber 26. Ozone from the
ozone generator 22 is supplied to the spargers 34 by gas pipes
36.
[0043] During operation of the washing machine, a user inserts
laundry to be washed into an internal drum 28 contained within the
primary washing volume of the washing machine. The drain valve is
closed and water is supplied into the drum 28 from the water supply
30. When the drain valve closes, the ozone supply controller 24
receives a signal that the drain valve is closed and begins
operating and commences supplying ozone to the spargers 34 located
within the mixing chamber 26.
[0044] As ozone is supplied to the spargers 34, the ozone escapes
through the perorations located in the sides of the spargers and
also through the downward end face of the spargers 34. The escaping
ozone causes the water to circulate within the mixing chamber 26
and thereby results in efficient mixing of the ozone with the water
within the mixing chamber 26. Furthermore, because the spargers 34
are directed or angled downwards, the ozone emerging from the ends
of the spargers 34 initially travels vertically downward and then
must travel or move upwards through the entire height of the mixing
chamber and the washing volume. This enhances the dissolving,
dispersion and/or encapsulation of ozone within the washing volume
and ensures that the ozone is in intimate contact with water for as
much and as long of the wash process as possible, and also results
in improved circulation of water into and out of the mixing chamber
26.
[0045] The washing machine then commences a desired washing cycle
(e.g., a normal wash cycle, a heavily soiled wash cycle, a delicate
wash cycle, etc.) and ozone is supplied by the controller
throughout the entire period of time that the drain valve is closed
to ensure that the ozone added to and/or dissolved in the water is
continuously regenerated and/or replaced and is readily available,
as necessary, during the entire wash cycle.
[0046] During the wash cycle, the drum 28 of the washing machine
rotates in a conventional fashion, e.g., in a to and fro fashion,
to agitate the laundry and facilitate cleaning and sanitation
thereof. Such agitation enhances the cleaning and also enhances the
circulation of the water into and out of the mixing chamber 26.
[0047] It will be appreciated that although this embodiment uses
two spargers 34, either more or less spargers may be used in
alternative embodiments of the present invention.
[0048] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the
mixing chamber is located separately from the drain outlet. It is
still located vertically below the washing volume to ensure that
the mixing chamber is completely submerged and filled with water
from an early point in the washing cycle.
[0049] In a further embodiment of the invention, a drain valve is
connected between mixing chamber and washing volume to allow the
ozone system to be readily disconnected if necessary or
required.
[0050] An embodiment of the ozone dissolving apparatus, according
to the present invention, is illustrated in FIG. 5. This embodiment
provides a mixing chamber which can be retrofitted to existing
washing machines, typically commercial washing machines. FIG. 4
illustrates schematically the connection to the drain outlet of a
conventional washing machine. The primary washing volume has a
drain outlet 42 which is connected to a drain valve 44 by a
connecting pipe 46, e.g., a flexible conduit. The drain valve 44 is
controlled during the washing machine cycle to cause water to
either collect in the primary washing volume or drain away from the
primary washing volume.
[0051] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the mixing chamber of this
embodiment is adapted to be fitted between the drain outlet 42 and
the drain valve 44. The supply of ozone to the mixing chamber 50 is
as was described for the first embodiment. Thus, this embodiment
easily allows an existing washing machine to be adapted to include
an ozone dissolving system.
[0052] In the above embodiment, the ozone dissolving chamber is
constructed from stainless steel. However, it will be appreciated
that other materials, which are gas and water tight and have good
corrosion resistance properties, could also be used for manufacture
of the ozone dissolving chamber.
[0053] With reference now to FIG. 6, a detailed description
concerning a still further improvement of the present invention
will now be discussed in detail.
[0054] According to this embodiment, as is conventional in the art,
the ozone system 60 generally comprises a washing machine 62 which,
during use, is filled with a suitable volume of liquid or water 64,
i.e., a washing volume, to facilitate washing of the laundry 66
contained within the washing machine 62. The water is typically
supplied from a water supply source 30 to a rotatable internal drum
68, defining an internal chamber 70 within the washing machine 62,
via an inlet 72. As is conventional in the art, the washing machine
62 is provide with a hinged door 74, typically located on either
the top or front of the washing machine 62, which forms a water
tight seal with the door opening 76 of the washing machine 62 when
the door 74 is latched in a closed position in a conventional
fashion (the door is shown in the front in FIG. 6). The door 74,
when in its opened position, facilitates adding and removing
laundry 66 from the washing machine 62. As such door and its
latching mechanism is conventional and well known in the art, a
further discussion concerning the same is not provided.
[0055] Prior to filling the washing machine 62, a drain valve 78 is
closed to facilitate retention of the water 64 supplied to the
internal chamber 70 of the washing machine 62 via the water supply
source 30. In addition, the washing machine 62 is equipped with an
ozone generator 80 which commences production of ozone and injects
the produced ozone into the sump 82 of the washing machine 62, via
a pair of spargers 34, where the ozone is discharged and permeates
and bubbles through the water 64. The ozone and water are further
agitated, during operation of the washing machine 62, due to the to
and fro rotational motion of the internal drum 68 to intimately mix
and disperse the ozone, supplied via the spargers 34, throughout
the entire wash volume so that the ozone is readily available to
react with the soap, dirt, soil, grime, germs, bacteria, etc., and
the laundry 66 contained within the internal cavity 70 of the
washing machine 62 during a wash cycle.
[0056] Preferably, a conventional air supply device/oxygen
concentrator 84 compresses room air to about 5 pounds of pressure
or so and supplies the pressurized room air, via a conventional
duct or pipe 85, to an air flow control valve 86 which regulates
the flow rate of the air being supplied to the washing machine 62.
The air supply device/oxygen concentrator 84, during normal
compression of the air, typically removes nitrogen for the air to
increase the oxygen content of the air and thus facilitate
subsequent production of ozone. The air supply device/oxygen
concentrator 84 also typically removes water, moisture and other
impurities from the air prior to pumping the same to the air flow
control valve 86.
[0057] The air flow control valve 86 is connected, via a
conventional duct or pipe 87, to supply the pressurized and
regulated air to an inlet of the ozone generator 80 where a portion
of such air, e.g., typically about 5% of the supplied air, is
converted into ozone in a conventional fashion. As such conversion
of air into ozone is conventional and well known in the art, a
further detailed discussion concerning the same is not provided. An
outlet of the ozone generator 80 is connected, via a conventional
duct or pipe 88, to supply the generated ozone to the spargers 34
located in the sump 82 of the washing machine 62.
[0058] If desired, the air supply device/oxygen concentrator 84 may
incorporate a drying unit which further assists with adequately
drying the air, i.e., removes substantially all of the moisture
therefrom, prior to supplying the same to the air flow control
valve 86. Alternatively, a separate air drier unit 90 (see FIG. 7)
may be provide somewhere along the air supply path prior to the air
being supplied to the ozone generator 80 to assist with removing
moisture therefrom.
[0059] The ozone, produced by the ozone generator 80, is supplied
to the sparger or spargers 34 and injected into the water 64
contained within the sump 82 of the washing machine 62 via one or
more injector nozzles 92 supported by the spargers 34 (see FIG. 8).
Preferably, the injector nozzles 92 injects the ozone downwardly
toward the drain valve 78 to facilitate further suspension,
entrainment, encapsulation, dispersion and/or mixing of the ozone
in the water 64 contained within the sump 82 and thereby provide a
more uniform mixture and dispersion of the ozone within the water
64 contained within the sump 82.
[0060] As previously indicated, the produced ozone typically has a
particle size of about 2 microns to 20 microns such that the ozone
is not readily dissolved, to any substantial extent, in the water
64 contained in the sump 82 but is preferably encapsulated,
suspended, dispersed and/or entrained within the water 64 and thus
the ozone is readily available to react with any dirt, soil, grime,
grease, germs, bacteria, etc., contained in the laundry 66 being
washed by the washing machine 62. As is conventional, the ozone
will only typically last for a time period of between about 2 to
about 5 minutes or so before the ozone naturally converts back into
oxygen.
[0061] To facilitate control of the amount of ozone generated, an
ozone exhaust detector or sensor 94 is provided in or adjacent one
of the conventional exhaust vents or outlets 96 of the washer
machine 62, e.g., such as the soap vent, air bleed-off vent, etc.
This ozone exhaust sensor 94 will monitor the air escaping or
exhausting from the washer machine 62, during operation thereof,
and detect the concentration of ozone contained within the escaping
air. In the event that the ozone concentration level of the air
exhausting from the washing machine 62 is above a safe level, e.g.,
above 1.0 parts per million for example, the ozone exhaust sensor
94 will then convey a signal to a relay 98 which controls the
supply of electrical power to the ozone generator 80 so as to
thereby "trip" or interrupt further production of ozone by the
ozone generator 80 for a sufficient period of time, e.g., any where
from a few seconds to about thirty minutes or so, until the ozone
exhaust sensor 94 again detects a safe level of ozone, e.g.,
detects an ozone level in the escaping air below 1.0 parts per
million, for example.
[0062] Any ozone which collects on a detection surface of the ozone
exhaust sensor 94 will typically remain there until the ozone
eventually "burns off" or is naturally converted back to oxygen
over time by a natural conversion process. Generally, the ozone
will last anywhere between about 2 to about 20 minutes or so, e.g.,
typically lasting between 3 and 5 minutes, before the ozone
naturally converts back into oxygen. As long as the ozone exhaust
sensor 94 detects an excessive amount of ozone, e.g., an amount of
ozone greater than the adjusted sensitivity position of the ozone
exhaust sensor 94 (e.g., the ozone exhaust sensor 94 is typically
set to detect from about 0.3 to about 1.0 parts per million of
ozone, for instance), the ozone exhaust sensor 94 will maintain the
relay 98 in an active state or tripped state so as to prevent the
supply of electrical power to the ozone generator 80 and thereby
prevent the production of additional ozone. As soon as
substantially all of the ozone (depending upon the sensitivity
setting of the ozone exhaust sensor 94) which collected on the
surface of the ozone exhaust sensor 94 has sufficiently "burned
off" or dissipated, the ozone exhaust sensor 94 will then
discontinue sending a signal to the relay 98, which is interrupting
the supply of electrical power to the ozone generator 80. As a
result the relay 98 again allows electrical power to be supplied to
the ozone generator 80 and the ozone generator 80 then immediately
commences further production of additional ozone for use during a
subsequent stage(s) or step(s) of the wash cycle.
[0063] The system 60 is also equipped with an area ozone level
detector or sensor 100 which monitors the level of the ozone
contained within a room or area accommodating the washing machine
62 or a plurality of washing machines 62, e.g., at a laundry mat or
a commercial washing facility such as a hospital, for example. In
the event that the area ozone level sensor 100 detects an
excessively high or unsafe amount of ozone located within the room
or area accommodating the one or more washing machines 62, e.g.,
detects a room concentration level of ozone in excess of 0.1 parts
per million, the area ozone level sensor 100 will then convey a
signal to a relay 98 which "trips" or interrupt further production
of ozone by each ozone generator 80 for a sufficient period of
time, e.g., any where from a few seconds to about thirty minutes or
so or possibly completely shuts down all of the washing machine(s)
62 to prevent any further production of ozone by any of the ozone
generators 80, until the area ozone level sensor 100 again detects
a safe level of ozone in the room or area accommodating the washing
machine(s) 62, e.g., detects an ozone level within the room or area
below 0.1 parts per million for example. The sensitivity setting
for the area ozone level sensor 100 is also typically adjustable
but typically has a sensitivity range of between about 0.03 to
about 0.1 parts per million or so. Alternatively, the area ozone
level sensor 100 will merely shut off or interrupt the supply of
power to the air supply device/oxygen concentrator 84 which
supplies the pressurized air to the ozone generator 80 and thereby
interrupt further production of ozone.
[0064] This relay 98 will remain tripped or activated until the
area ozone level sensor 100 again determines that an acceptable
level of ozone is currently present in the room or area
accommodating the washing machine(s) 62. Once this occurs, the area
ozone level sensor 100 will discontinue sending a signal to the
relay 98, which deactivates the relay 98 so that the relay 98 again
allows power to flow to the ozone generator(s) 80 and/or the air
supply device/oxygen concentrator 84 which then again allow
production or manufacture of additional ozone during the remainder
of the wash step or stage. The area ozone level sensor 100 prevents
a hazardous condition from occurring during operation of one or
more washing machines 62 due to production of excessive ozone.
[0065] Preferably, the area ozone level sensor 100 is connected to
a relay 98 which controls the supply or interruption of electrical
power to only the air supply device/oxygen concentrator 84 in order
to control production of the ozone during operation of the washing
machine 62. As a result of such electrical power interruption, the
production of ozone is discontinued or interrupted since no
pressurized air flows through the ozone generator 80 and thus no
ozone is produced by the ozone generator 80 even though it still
may be supplied with electrical power. Alternatively, the relay 98,
when tripped or activated by the ozone exhaust sensor 94 and/or the
area ozone level sensor 100, can also be coupled to the ozone
generator 80, and/or the air supply device/oxygen concentrator 84
and/or the air flow control valve 86 so as also to control
operation of all of those components and interrupt the supply of
electrical power to one, two or all three of the ozone generator
80, the air supply device/oxygen concentrator 84 and/or the air
flow control value 86 when an excessive amount of ozone is
detected.
[0066] It is to be appreciated that there are a variety of
different ways for interrupting the production of ozone by the
ozone generator 80. For example, the ozone exhaust sensor 94 and/or
the area ozone level sensor 100 can activate a valve (not shown),
located between the air flow control valve 86 and the ozone
generator 80 which diverts the supplied air directly to the
spargers 34 so that the air can mix with the water 64 contained in
the sump 82. The important aspect is that the system is controlled,
in some manner, so as to be no longer able to produce ozone until
the ozone exhaust sensor 94 and/or the area ozone level sensor 100
again detect a safe level of ozone both within the washing machine
and within the room or area.
[0067] Although the above embodiments suggest that the ozone
exhaust sensor 94 and the area level ozone sensor 100 each have a
fixed setting, e.g., 1.0 parts per million of ozone for the ozone
exhaust sensor 94 and 0.1 parts per million of ozone for the area
level ozone sensor 100, it is to be appreciated that one or both of
the ozone exhaust sensor 94 and/or the area level ozone sensor 100
could be a variable sensor. That is, as the ozone sensor(s) 94 or
100 detects the ozone level in the exhausting air or room
approaching either 1.0 or 0.1 parts per million of ozone, depending
upon the setting of the particular sensor, the ozone sensor 94, 100
will issue a variable command to the ozone generator 80 which
proportionally decreases or reduces the amount of ozone being
produced and thereby continuously maintain a safe level of ozone
which is either being exhausted from the washing machine and/or
located within the room or area accommodating the washing
machine(s) 60. It is to be appreciated that if the ozone sensor(s)
94 or 100 senses that the ozone level is only gradually approaching
an unsafe level of ozone, the ozone sensor(s) 94 or 100 will send a
signal which gradually reduces the production of ozone by the ozone
generator 80. If, however, the ozone sensor(s) 94 or 100 senses
that the ozone level is rapidly approaching an unsafe level, the
ozone sensor(s) 94 or 100 will issue a signal quickly reducing or
possibly completely interrupting the production of ozone. Such
variable control of the ozone generator 80, by the ozone exhaust
sensor 94 and/or the area level ozone sensor 100, tends to minimize
the duration of time, if any, that the ozone generator 80 is not
actually producing any ozone during operation of the washing
machine and tends to result in a more continuous supply of ozone to
the washing machine to ensure that an adequate supply of ozone is
always present in the washing machine during each wash cycle.
[0068] Typically during a commercial wash cycle, generally there
are about eight wash steps or stages. The first stage is typically
when the greatest amount or quantity of ozone is required and
should be produced by the ozone generator 80. According to the
present invention, preferably the ozone generator 80 is always set
to its highest possible ozone production level so that the ozone
generator 80 produces a maximum amount of ozone, e.g., produces
between about 4 grams per hour of ozone at an ozone concentration
level of about 5% ozone, and such ozone is immediately available
for use during the first wash stage. This ozone "relaxes" the
laundry and activates the laundry detergent or soap and assists
with rapidly "burning off" any dirt, grime, grease, soil, etc., as
well as killing any super bugs, germs or bacteria contained within
the clothing or laundry 66 being washed.
[0069] In the event that either the ozone exhaust sensor 94 and/or
the area ozone level sensor 100 determines that an excessive amount
of ozone is present in either the air being exhausted or in the
room or area accommodating the washing machine(s) 62, such ozone
sensor 94 or 100 will send a signal to the relay 98 which trips or
turns off the ozone generator 80 to prevent further production of
ozone for a desired period of time, e.g., until an excessive amount
of ozone is no longer detected by the ozone exhaust sensor 94
and/or the area ozone level sensor 100. As is noted above, once the
level of the ozone in the exhaust gas(es) and/or the room or area
sufficiently decreases to below a safe level, then the ozone
generator 80 will then again be reactivated and allowed to commence
further production of ozone and supply the same to the washing
machine 62.
[0070] During the second and subsequent wash stages, since much of
the dirt, grime, grease, soil, etc., has already been partially or
completely removed from the clothing or laundry 66 and since much
of the germs, bacteria, etc., have already been partially or
completely killed, typically less ozone is required. The addition
of extra ozone during the initial portion of the first wash stage
assists with "relaxing" the clothing or laundry 66 such that the
clothing or laundry 66 more readily releases its dirt, grime,
grease, soil, etc. As a result of this increase in the amount of
ozone supplied during the first wash stage, a sufficient ozone may
still be present within the wash volume, within the wash drum 68,
and/or within the clothing or laundry 66 at the end of the first
wash stage so that either the ozone exhaust sensor 94 and/or the
area ozone level sensor 100 detects excessive ozone being present
and may possibly maintain the ozone generator 80 in an inactive
state for one or more subsequent wash stages in a row or may
maintain the ozone generator 80 in an inactive state for an initial
portion of each subsequent wash stage of the wash cycle so that no
additional ozone is produced.
[0071] With reference to FIG. 8, a description concerning a
plurality of washing machines will now be discussed. According to
this embodiment, a single air supply device/oxygen concentrator 84
generates an adequate supply of compressed air and supplies the
compressed air, via conventional ducts or pipes 85, to four
individual air flow control valves 86, which each, in turn,
regulate the flow rate of the air being supplied to a respective
washing machine 62. Each air flow control valve 86 is connected,
via a respective conventional duct or pipe 87, to supply the
regulated air to an inlet of a respective ozone generator 80 where
the air is converted to ozone, as discussed above, and supplied,
via conventional duct or pipe 88, to the sump 82 of the respective
washing machine 62. As with the previous embodiment, each one of
the washing machines is equipped with an ozone exhaust sensor 94,
which is provided in or adjacent a conventional exhaust vent or
outlet 96 of the respective washing machine 62. In the event that
the ozone exhaust sensor 94 detects an excessive amount of ozone,
this sensor will control the associated ozone generator 80 to
interrupt the further production of ozone until the ozone
concentration level of the air exhausting from the washing machine
62 again returns back to a safe level.
[0072] According to this embodiment, however, a single area ozone
level sensor 100 monitors the level of the ozone contained in the
common area accommodating all four washing machines 62. In the
event that the area ozone level sensor 100 detects an unsafe amount
of ozone contained within the room or area accommodating the
washing machine 62, the area ozone level sensor 100 will send a
signal to a second relay 102 which is connected with the single air
supply device/oxygen concentrator 84. The second relay 102
interrupts the flow of electrical power to the single air supply
device/oxygen concentrator 84 and thus the flow of air to each one
of the four ozone generators 80 so that none of the ozone
generators 80 is able to manufacture any ozone. Such interruption
in the production of ozone will continue until the area ozone level
sensor 100 again determines that a safe level of ozone is again
contained within the room. Thereafter, the flow of electrical power
to the single air supply device/oxygen concentrator 84 is again
established and all the ozone generators 80 are then able to
manufacture ozone, provided that the ozone being exhausted from
each respect washing machine is still below a safe level.
[0073] The utilization of ozone facilitates the use of relatively
cold water, e.g., water at a temperature in the range of from
between 35 to 55.degree. F. or so, since the ozone activates the
laundry detergent or soap, even at lower water temperatures, and
thereby achieves sufficient cleaning and sanitizing of the items
being laundered.
[0074] The inventors have found that by generating a sufficient
amount of ozone and making this ozone initially available for use
during the first wash stage, and then reducing the amount of ozone
generated during the second and subsequent wash stages, this
results in efficient use of the laundry soap or detergent and the
water 64 while still achieving consistently cleaned and sanitized
laundry 66 during each complete wash cycle of the washing machine
62.
[0075] The ozone system 60 may be equipped with an indicator which
provides a visual indication that substantially all of the super
bugs, germs and/or bacteria contained within the clothing or
laundry 66 being washed has been killed. For example, the ozone
system 60 may be equipped with separate "red" and "green" lights
(labeled "R" and "G", respectively) 102 and 104, as can be seen in
FIG. 6. Upon activation of the ozone system 60, the one of the
relays 98 supplies electrical power to the "red" light 102 to
visually indicate to the operator that the clothing or laundry 66
being washed still may have live super bugs, germs and/or bacteria.
The "red" light 102 will remain illuminated until the ozone exhaust
sensor 94 senses that the air exhausting from the washing machine
62 has an ozone concentration level in excess of 1.0 parts per
million. Once the ozone exhaust sensor 94 determines that the ozone
exhausting from the washing machine continues to have an ozone
concentration level in excess of 1.0 parts per million for a
desired duration of time, e.g., 30 second or more, than the system
60 will interrupt the supply of electrical power to the "red" light
102 and thereafter another relay will be activated for only
supplying electrical power to and illuminating the "green" light
104 to provide a visual indication to the operator that
substantially all of the super bugs, germs and/or bacteria
contained within the clothing or laundry 66 being washed has been
killed. It is to be appreciated that the "red" light 102 will
remain illuminated until the ozone exhaust sensor 94 determines
that the air exhausting from the washing machine continues to have
an ozone concentration level at or above 1.0 parts per million for
a desired duration of time, e.g., 30 second or more. Each time the
door 74 is opened and/or closed, the ozone system 60 is reset,
e.g., the system returns back to only illuminating the "red" light
102.
[0076] Since certain changes may be made in the above described
improved ozone generating and monitoring system, without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention herein involved, it is
intended that all of the subject matter of the above description or
shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted merely as
examples illustrating the inventive concept herein and shall not be
construed as limiting the invention.
* * * * *